Prediction of the performance of an ion chamber amplifier under γ radiation

Agarwal, Vivek; Sundarsingh, V.P.; Ramachandran, V.

doi:10.1016/j.nucengdes.2004.12.007

Cited by 1 publication

(4 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…The ICA specifies an output of 0 to V DC for the linear output stage corresponding to 0 to 150% of full reactor power [5]. Likewise, an output of V DC to V DC is specified for the log output corresponding to % to 150% of full reactor power.…”

Section: Function Of the Ica Circuitmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To determine the performance of the entire ICA during gamma irradiation, one should irradiate the entire unit to observe the deviation in the output [5]. However, this exercise would not only damage the expensive ICA unit, but in addition the uniformity of irradiation of the entire ICA unit is not ensured.…”

Section: Simulation Of Icamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It has been observed that the input bias current, input offset voltage, and input offset current of very low input bias current op-amps change significantly on exposure to gamma radiation. The input bias current of op-amps DN8500A, OPA111AM and INA101AM varies drastically [5], [9] with exposure to gamma radiation. The input bias current of the op-amp DN8500A increases from 0.023 pA to 0.145 pA after exposing to 5 krads.…”

Section: Simulation Of Icamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…They use integrated and/or discrete electronics in their amplification and signal conditioning modules [5]. An Ion Chamber Amplifier (ICA) is one such important safety device, extensively used in the Nuclear Power Plants.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Taguchi Based Performance and Reliability Improvement of an Ion Chamber Amplifier for Enhanced Nuclear Reactor Safety

Kulkarni

Agarwal

2008

IEEE Trans. Nucl. Sci.

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Abstract-An Ion Chamber Amplifier (ICA) is used as a safety device for neutronic power (flux) measurement in regulation and protection systems of nuclear reactors. Therefore, performance reliability of an ICA is an important issue. Appropriate quality engineering is essential to achieve a robust design and performance of the ICA circuit. It is observed that the low input bias current operational amplifiers used in the input stage of the ICA circuit are the most critical devices for proper functioning of the ICA. They are very sensitive to the gamma radiation present in their close vicinity. Therefore, the response of the ICA deteriorates with exposure to gamma radiation resulting in a decrease in the overall reliability, unless desired performance is ensured under all conditions. This paper presents a performance enhancement scheme for an ICA operated in the nuclear environment. The Taguchi method, which is a proven technique for reliability enhancement, has been used in this work. It is demonstrated that if a statistical, optimal design approach, like the Taguchi method is used, the cost of high quality and reliability may be brought down drastically. The complete methodology and statistical calculations involved are presented, as are the experimental and simulation results to arrive at a robust design of the ICA.

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Section: Function Of the Ica Circuitmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Simulation Of Icamentioning

confidence: 99%